Add the secret ingredient -- half a teaspoon of cocoa

I was looking for a substitute to black tea or coffee with a similar depth of flavor. I tried Pero, using 2 heaping teaspoons to a 15 oz mug of hot water. I found it to be somewhat pleasant but thin and lacking in body and dimension. What I missed were the slight acidic and bitter undertones present in a good black tea or a coffee. To recoup those flavors I tried adding half a teaspoon of a good Dutch-processed cocoa -- and it worked! There is no cocoa/chocolate/mocha flavor at all, just slightly bitter, acidic notes underscoring the roasted coffee flavors on top, with more body and roundness. A half-teaspoon of demerara sugar and I am all set.

Pero Is Ok But It's No Postum

Since Postum left the market, I haven't found a suitable instant substitute. Pero is ok but I find it bitter so I have to load it up with sugar and creamer. It has a good texture, much better than freeze dried Cafix. Still looking for something tastier.